O'Neill In For Second West Ham Reject

Marlon Harewood has been given permission to discuss a move to Villa Park.

The Sky Sports website have confirmed that Aston Villa are in talks with Marlon Harewood. It is believed a fee was agreed and talks have progressed. Only a few days ago it seemed Harewood would be snapped up by Chris Hutchings as Wigan attempt to get relegated next season having already purchased Titus Bramble and Mario Melchiot.

But just as a child unwraps his birthday presents to find a Marks and Spencer jumper and a book token, it is Martin O'Neill who will likely be the disappointed party when he unleashes Nigel Reo-Coker and Marlon Harewood on the Villa pitch.

Harewood has suffered a torrid season at West Ham - allegedly part of the supposed 'baby bentley' dressing room culture which Curbishley attested to, Harewood has also had a poor time on the pitch, his abysmal finishing leaving Hammers fans slapping their foreheads in disbelief.

The fee is believed to be in the region of £3-4mil which would represent good business for West Ham who purchased Harewood for just £500,000 from Nottingham Forest in 2003.